MY VIEW
Music: 'Guero' by Beck

By Jeremy Castillo
Special to The Advertiser

The Verdict: 5 THE RATINGS 5 — Outstanding: Add it to your collection now. A must-have. 4 — Great: Buy it or rent it — definitely listen to it. 3 — Good: Worth listening to despite some flaws. 2 — Fair: Unless you’re a fan of the group or singer, don’t bother. 1 — Poor: Save your money (and your ears).

Style: Rock

My take: Most people know Beck for his mid-1990s smash hit "Loser" that instantly became an anthem for the teenagers of the decade — a.k.a. Generation Y.

Bigger fans of Beck know him because of his eclectic approach to music and clever, sometimes weird, wordplay in his songs. His music style has earned critical acclaim since 1994, when he released his first album, "Mellow Gold." He's even been called a musical genius. He's become so popular and well-liked that when a Beck album comes out it is seen as an event, more than just a typical release date. "Guero" is a big change from 2002's "Sea Change," which had a melancholy vibe throughout it.

In fact, "Guero" is different from any album Beck has released since 1996's "Odelay."

Every album between that and this one had a certain feel to it that made it stick out from the rest of Beck's records. "Guero" is more like a caesar salad. But with music.

Fans will be reminded of "Odelay" because no songs sound the same at all. The first track and radio single, "E-Pro," has a driving rock-guitar hook that goes away when it's time for Beck to start rapping. "Girl" is a standout track because of its video-game-like introduction, while the rest of the song is reminiscent of the Beach Boys — if they were a solo act and came out in the 1990s.

My favorite song is the second track, "Qué Onda Guero," a song that, besides the all-Spanish chorus, goes in and out of languages when Beck pleases. (It also reminds me of the background music in late 1990s Volkswagen commercials, but that's beside the point.)

Longtime Beck-heads will notice regular clever wordplay and laid-back delivery of his lyrics but with more maturity — most likely because he's now 34, married and is a father. The engineering of the music is great, fine-tuned and meticulously crafted, as if Beck were a carpenter and "Guero" were a cabinet needing construction from scratch.

I have always liked Beck. His music has a certain appeal, even though I wouldn't have called myself a fan till after "Sea Change." "Guero" won't break records and may not win awards, but anyone who picks it up will have a fun time listening.

Jeremy Castillo is a student at Windward Community College. Have a game or CD you want to review? Reach Island Life deputy editor Dave Dondoneau at ddondoneau@honoluluadvertiser.com.